Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

NATIONAL 400-METRE champion Ricardo Chambers could in the near feature run the 200m and possible the 800m if his coach, Ken Harnden, has his way.

While admitting that "the 400 is his event", Harnden said Chambers could look to the shorter and longer distances for conditioning.

"We may do some work in the 200m next year to develop that pure speed. Maybe one day down the road we'll run some 800 races, but for the moment he is one of the best quarter-milers in the world and you don't just go and change that," Harnden was quoted as saying on the Florida State University (FSU) website.

Preparing for Beijing

Meanwhile, Chambers has decided forego his senior year at FSU to turn pro.

Chambers, the fourth fastest in this world this year with 44.62 seconds, made the bold decision in a move to prepare for the Beijing Olympics next year.

In confirming the athlete's decision, Harnden said: "We are really excited for Ricardo. He is getting the chance to do what every college student wants, which is get in a position with a company where you are making the money you think you deserve and you're doing what you love to do. Ricardo certainly has that opportunity now."

Managed by Regis

Chambers will now be managed by Sir John Regis, a World Championship 200m silver medallist, who was the first British athlete to run under 20 seconds in that event.

Harden believes Regis, who was also a member of the silver medal 4x100m Great Britain team at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, is the right person.

"John is really into track and he knows his stuff," Harnden said. "He's a very good agent."

As part of his contract, Chambers will stay on pace to graduate next year which is something Harnden is happy about.

"The shoe company paying for him to return to school is something we are all obviously excited about," Harnden said.

"Our coaching staff at Florida State really wants to keep up the 100 per cent graduation rate with the sprint group."

Chambers is favourite for a second national title, after which he will return to training in Tallahassee, Florida, before travelling to Europe for some tune-up races in preparation of the World Championships from August 24-September 2 in Osaka, Japan.